Friday, December 9, 2011

Throat infection is caused by virus or bacteria. Viral throat infection which is caused by a virus as the name itself suggests is more contagious. The most common types of bacterial throat infections are strep throat and mycoplasma. Strep throat is caused by bacteria called streptococcus. It infects the oral pharynx and tonsils. Symptoms of throat infection are

Pain or irritation of the throat

Low grade fever

Difficulty in swallowing food and liquids

Throat redness

Cough

Treatment of Throat Infection

Throat infection is generally treated with antibiotics. However antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infection. The most commonly used antibiotics to treat strep throat are amoxicillin and clindamycin. Some pain killers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are also used. Viral throat infection should not be treated with antibiotics.

Some of these medications can lead to side effects. A variety of home remedies exist for throat infection which are equally effective but would not cause any side effects. These natural remedies for throat infection stimulate the immune system to fight bacteria.

Throat Infection Precautions

When you have throat infection it is necessary take rest and keep yourself hydrated. You have to keep away from tobacco smoke and alcohol vapors which may irritate the throat and lungs.

Herbal Remedies for Throat Infection

Several natural remedies can help to get rid of sore throat

Different types of herbal tea can provide relief from the symptoms of sore throat. Licorice and chamomile tea provide relief from throat irritation. Chamomile tea has analgesic properties. It also prevents dehydration.

Take a glass of warm water. Add some honey and lemon juice to it. Drinking this mixture will provide relief from the throat pain and irritation.

Add cumin seeds and a few pieces of garlic to a glass of water and boil it. Drink it when it is lukewarm.

Cinnamon is a very effective remedy for sore throat. Take a glass of hot water and add a teaspoon each of cinnamon, honey and black pepper. Consume small sips of the liquid at regular intervals.

Sage is a herb used to treat pharyngitis and other types of sore throat in the form of tincture. It reduces the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat.

To reduce the discomfort you can drink a glass of warm milk with a teaspoon of turmeric added to it.

Apple cider vinegar helps to treat the bacterial infection and reduce the inflammation. Add a tablespoon each of apple cider vinegar and honey to warm water. Drink it at regular intervals, holding is as long as possible in the throat before swallowing it.

Cut a ginger root to small pieces and boil it in a cup of water. Add two teaspoons of honey and sip it slowly.

Goldenseal root will provide relief from throat inflammation. Add a teaspoon of goldenseal root to half liter of water and boil it. Drink the mixture at regular intervals.

Gargle For Throat Infection

One of the most commonly used remedies is salt water gargle.

Add some fenugreek seeds to water and boil it for some time. This can be used to gargle when it cools down.

Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to water and boil it. Gargling this will not only provide relief but also cure the inflammation

Wheatgrass juice is quite effective in treating throat infection. It contains chlorophyll which helps to reduce the inflammation and pain.

These are some of the natural remedies for throat infection which will help to cure the disease without any side effects.